Groups Nationwide Oppose Congressional Bills that Provide Fluoridation for Children

Groups Nationwide Oppose Congressional Bills that Provide Fluoridation for Children

Legislation moving through the U.S. Congress, although meant to help children in the "Children's Dental Health Improvement Act," includes harmful provisions and allocations for fluoridation (Senate Bill S.1626; House of Representative Bills H.R. 4476, H.R. 3659, H.R. 5098, among others). "Our organization joins civic and environmental organizations across the country, urging their Congress members to amend these otherwise desirable bills by deleting fluoridation," said attorney Paul Beeber, President of New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation.

"We urge everyone to contact their Congress members (U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives) to delete fluoridation provisions from S.1626, H.R. 4476, H.R. 3659 and all similar bills," Beeber said.

The value and safety of fluoridation is being increasingly questioned. The Sierra Club, a major environmental organization, recently took a decisive step, raising "valid concerns regarding the potential adverse impact of fluoridation on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Their aim is to "protect sensitive populations ..." They recommend that ... "safer alternatives be made available ... and that a national review of the effects of fluoridation ... be undertaken ..." This position was adopted in response to many requests from Sierra Club chapters.

Sierra Club's Water Issues Committee of the PA Chapter concluded: "The unproven and questionable 'benefits' to children's teeth do not outweigh the risks of dental fluorosis (discoloration and pitting of teeth), bone fractures, bone cancer, reduced IQs and a host of other adverse health impacts ..."

Paul Beeber emphasized that children (as well as adults) are receiving levels of fluoride in their system far in excess of what even the most ardent fluoride promoters recommend. "Total fluoride intake is impossible to control, with fluoride in water, foods and beverages manufactured or processed in fluoridated areas, toothpastes, rinses, medications, and pesticide residues found in juices and other foods. Our efforts should be to reduce fluoride levels, not increase them."

"The fluoride chemicals used to deliberately fluoridate water supplies are mostly hydrofluosilicic acid, derived from fertilizer. The fluoride routinely contains lead, arsenic, mercury and other impurities. These contaminants increase blood lead levels in children," said Beeber.

Fluoridation, long lauded as the answer to tooth decay, has been promoted and funded for over 55 years. Yet authorities still consider dental decay one of children's most common diseases, in spite of fluoridation.